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NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes India faces a tough task to make a comeback in the second Test against New Zealand MCA Stadium in Pune.
On his YouTube channel, Basit remarked, “Rohit Sharma aur Virat Kohli agar runs kare (If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score runs) – two big names who failed in the first innings – there could be a possibility (of a comeback). But the chances are currently very slim. New Zealand are in a very strong position to win the game… This is not a good sign for India ahead of the Australia tour. Let’s see what happens.”
New Zealand have taken control of the Test and lead by 301 runs at stumps on the second day, thanks to a brilliant performance from left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who took 7-53 to dismantle India’s batting line-up.
India were bowled out for just 156 in response to New Zealand’s 259, giving the visitors a 103-run first innings lead on a challenging Pune pitch.
At the end of the day, New Zealand reached a score of 198-5 in the second innings with Tom Latham scoring a solid 86.
Santner did exactly what Sundar did for India | New Zealand defeated India on Indian soil | | Basit Ali
Wicketkeepers Tom Blundell (30 not out) and Glenn Phillips (9 not out) remained unbeaten, taking New Zealand closer to a potentially historic Test series win in India.
India’s bowlers, led by Washington Sundar, showed some resistance.
Sundar took four wickets to take his match tally to 11 while Ravichandran Ashwin scored a crucial breakthrough. However, the New Zealand batters increased their lead and put India in a difficult position.
India’s batting collapse in the first innings was another disappointment after the 46-run debacle in Bengaluru.
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Ravindra Jadeja top scored with 38 but wickets fell regularly. Santner’s spin exposed India’s weaknesses and led to crucial dismissals, including Virat Kohli for just one and Sarfaraz Khan for 11.
With New Zealand already 1-0 up in the three-match series, Basit Ali’s doubts about India’s comeback seem justified.
India’s problems with the bat are a particular concern ahead of their upcoming tour of Australia. At the moment, New Zealand seems to have the situation firmly under control and India is looking for answers.
